Gift Guides

Baby shower gift ideas

Gift Guides

Baby shower gift ideas

There’s a lot to do to prepare for the arrival of a little one. And while the new mom-to-be will gladly welcome basic essentials like bottles, bibs and baby wear, why not surprise her at her baby shower with items that are both useful and decorative as well. After all, the essentials will need a place to live. And outfitting a nursery can really add up. Here are 10 creative ideas for baby shower gifts to get you started.
1 The cribClassic and stylish, this sleigh crib is a gorgeous centrepiece for any
nursery. Available in white and espresso, it’s a great solo or group gift.
The Land of Nod, $799.
2 Nursery storageNew moms will love any gift that helps keep them organized, like this rattan diaper caddy or change table basket. The embroidery comes in a variety of colours to suit her preferred
colour palette.
Pottery Barn Kids, $19.41 – 31.05.
3 Modern mobileBabies will be fascinated and entertained as they watch sunlight bounce off the shimmering copper leaves of this chic mobile.
Etsy, $78.63.
4 Lovely lampsIt’s hard to resist these adorable
table lamps. Cotton shades with embroidered lambs are bound to be a hit with the mom-to-be!
Pottery Barn Kids, $37.52 – 45.28.
5 Photo frameFrom the time the little one makes an appearance, he or she will be growing and changing daily. And no doubt mom will be right there documenting it all. Give her a way to showcase the highlights of baby’s first year with this beautiful frame.
notonthehighstreet.com, $35.60USD.6 Changing matMade of oilcloth, this posh changing mat is padded for the baby’s comfort and is easy to wipe clean.
notonthehighstreet.com, $20.23.
7 Stuffed animalFor a more playful baby shower gift that will dress the room, but make a lasting impression, try this cute little guy. He’ll look great on a
dresser or
open shelf, but is attractive enough that little grabbing hands will be after him in no time!
Anthropologie, $24.

8 SwaddlesPretty swaddling blankets are a lifesaver for any new mom. But they can also add a decorative flair to the nursery when hung on display from a rod or draped loosely on the corner of a table or shelf. Chapters Indigo, $59.50 (set of 4).

9 BeddingWe love the fresh, modern colours and mix of solid, gingham and floral patterns of this
bedding. And we bet new moms will appreciate having extra sheets and
throw blankets on hand!
Olli & Lime, $195.
10 Playful printsWhat better way to celebrate the mommy-to-be and her precious new babe than with a piece of art that says it all?
notonthehighstreet.com, $34.79.

Design Lesson

10 easy and elegant holiday decorating ideas to try this year

What’s better than chic, sophisticated holiday style? The ability to achieve it with ease. Here are 10 tips to simplify your next festive soiree.

Last year, when homeowners Pamela Schott and Sheldon Pollack moved into this 7,500-square-foot five-bedroom century home in Toronto’s Forest Hill neighbourhood, they merged more than just their families (he has three 30-somethings; she has two kids; and four of the five live at the house part-time). The couple, who will wed next year, also blended their approaches to the holidays. To that end, their seasonal decor is sophisticated and minimalist, glamorous and uncluttered, neither too gimmicky nor too theme-y. For Pamela and Sheldon, it’s all about simplicity. Though they enjoy entertaining – the couple loves to host a holiday drop-in – they always keep it effortless. “A party is about the friends, family, wine, appetizers and conversation,” says Pamela, who makes creating a relaxed atmosphere her priority. “It’s about the event, not the planning.” Here, we highlight 10 ways Pamela and Sheldon execute their elegant holiday style with ease.

1 Choose function: A petite potted rosemary tree gives the kitchen counter holiday flair with purpose. Well into the new year, it will serve as a source of fresh decoration for place settings and garnish for themed cocktails.

2 Make strategic splurges: Don’t stress about baking in the days leading up to your party. If you lack the time and the piping skills, splurge on artfully adorned cookies iced in your home’s colour scheme for a scrumptious statement.

3 Stay simple: A bouquet of white amaryllis is an understated accent that’s synonymous with winter but doesn’t scream “holidays.” Buy the blooms a few days before your event so they’re at their prime when guests arrive.

4 Lay it down: Getting festive garlands to swag just right can take a lot of fussing. So if you want to gussy up your windows in a flash, layer cuttings of greenery on your windowsills instead. Here, Douglas fir and magnolia leaves add a luxe touch.

5 Accent the architecture: Draw attention to eye-catching structural features like leaded glass windows with beautiful holiday wreaths that accentuate the details but don’t steal the show.

6 Make room for more: Use a bowl to hold gorgeous Christmas ornaments that didn’t make it onto the tree for a simple centrepiece or coffee table accent.

7 Wrap it up: No pot? No problem! Use a swath of grey linen fabric secured with decorative ribbon to dress up the base of a tabletop tree. This unconventional feature lends a festive touch to an otherwise unadorned space.

8 Come out from under the tree: Take your gift wrapping to the next level with finishing details like sculptural toppers and layered ribbons. Don’t just place presents under the tree: Artfully arrange them on various nearby surfaces for vignettes that suit the season.

9 Mix metallics: Sticking to a gold and silver palette makes decorating the tree almost effortless. Look for a mix of shimmering materials, from beading to mercury glass to metallic fabrics, so you don’t have to think too hard about even distribution.

10 Make it a team effort: Whether it’s decorating the tree, hanging wreaths or wrapping presents, holiday tasks are more easily executed as a team. Get your tools out ahead of time, gather the family and put on your favourite holiday tunes to set the mood – you’ll be done before you can say “cool yule!”

Trends

2017 decor and design trends

Trends

2017 decor and design trends

Every year brings with it hot new trends and this year’s design trends are sure to get you excited about making some changes at home. Whether you’re thinking about something small scale like painting your powder room in one of the year’s hottest shades or going bigger with beautiful architectural features, these ideas from designers are sure to inspire!

1 "I think that a top design trend will be spaces that are more relaxed and casual with nothing too fussy or sparkly. Call it a restrained and tailored boho aesthetic; think Amber Interiors. Linen or velvet seating (in performance fabrics, of course), a mixture of woods and textures and nothing matching or contrived. Worn, antique area rugs, handmade block print fabrics and a real plant or two add to the layered yet edited feel and give a home soul." - Interior Designer, Vanessa Francis.

Photography: Tracey Ayton

2 "Look for interior finishings to take centre stage in 2017. While decorative elements like furniture and wallpaper have traditionally set the trends, increasing attention is being paid to the bones of a house. Applied mouldings, interior doors, archways and window casings are becoming more elaborate as homeowners discover that architectural features can make bold statements too." - Blogger and Designer, Jennifer Flores.

Photography: Stacey Brandford

3 "Today, forest green has made a comeback and is seen mixed with deep woods and black hardware and punches of brass to make it pop. Go bold and paint a powder room green. Pair with an antique chest turned-vanity and some brass pulls and brass faucet." - Interior Designer, Tara Fingold.

Photography: Stacey Brandford

4 "My favourite design for 2017 is wallpaper that mimics a wall mural. There are some incredible designs on the market where wallcoverings depict designs like large scale florals or hand painted landscapes. The dramatic impact is pretty incredible, and I love how it adds a bit of a handmade influence to any room." - Designer, Lisa Canning.

5 "One top design trend is to introduce unconventional design elements into our homes. Whether your inspiration is a sensational bar shelf suspended from the ceiling at Colette, the stunning floor to ceiling glass walls at The Chase Toronto, or the metal trim detail between floor tiles at most commercial spaces, 2017 is the year for innovative ideas so why not be inspired by our favourite restaurants or the beautifully designed stores as we shop for the holidays?" - Blogger and Decorator, Tim Lam.

6 "Loft-inspired design has been around for few decades but we're seeing a resurgence of this trend with the black steel factory door. The large black grid of these elegant beauties are not only attractive but they provide great sight lines to the outdoors, further forging the relationship between indoor and outdoor living. They can easily elevate any modern or traditional home whether as a patio door, room divider or shower door. With this much versatility, it's easy to see why the black steel factory door is expected to be a big winner in 2017!" - Designer, Andrea Haraldsen.

Photography: Michael Graydon

7 "Give way to lighter woods! We’re seeing a move towards a blonder, natural looking wood from floor to ceiling. Wider plank hardwood with an oiled/ matte finish is a great choice in creating visual interest and providing a neutral backdrop for furniture and other interior elements. Natural, rift cut oak is a great option for cabinetry, pairing well with walnut and darker woods and even painted finishes. Light wood is extremely versatile and a great way to add warmth and texture throughout a home without it feeling overpowering or heavy." - Interior Designer, Nyla Free.

Gift Guides

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

Gift Guides

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

Satisfy even the most discerning epicureans on your list with one of these fashionable foodie-approved finds.

We all have that person in our life who can prepare an intricate meal without so much as glancing at a recipe. That person who dabbles in all things culinary related on a daily basis and has a kitchen pantry that rivals that of celebrity chef Mark McEwan (or it at least comes close). Not sure what to treat them to this holiday season? Browse through our list of food-related gift ideas for inspiration.

Photo Gallery

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

1 Juiced Up

A heart-smart treat for the health food aficionado in your life, this carefully curated six-pack of cold-pressed juices contains almost two pounds of fruit and veg in every bottle! Cold-pressed Juices, Dose Juice, $42 per 6-piece pack.

By: Style at Home
Source: Dose Juice

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

2 Cheese, Please

Nothing says holiday time quite like a good cheese board. The lace-motif detailing on this one will certainly make any selection of cheeses and chutneys shine. Ceramic Lacework Cheeseboard, Anthropologie, $38 US.

By: Style at Home
Source: Anthropologie

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

3 Copper Feel

This elegant Art Deco-style coffee dripper is for your friend who has one foot planted firmly at home and the other off in some distant Parisian patisserie. Hario stainless copper Coffee Dripper, Indigo, $100.

By: Style at Home
Source: Indigo

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

4 Caffeine Fix

If the Bat Cave had a coffee maker, this would be it. Nespresso’s latest boasts a matte black finish befitting anyone in need of a caffeine jolt before saving Gotham City. VertuoLine Coffee Machine in Matte Black, Nespresso, $249.

By: Style at Home
Source: Nespresso

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

5 Colonel Mustard

This high-ranking mustard deserves your salute. Flavoured with decadent wine and truffles – and only available for a limited time – it’s a covetable condiment fit for any top official. Black Truffle and Chablis Mustard, Maille, $43 US.

By: Style at Home
Source: Maille

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

6 Into The Wild

These striking mugs echo exotic corners of the earth that yield top-notch coffee, from Sumatra to Costa Rica. Pair a mug with beans from the same region for a gift guaranteed to please any java junkie. Stamp Art Mugs, Starbucks, $19 each.

By: Style at Home
Source: Starbucks

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

7 Chic Sips

These pretty, precious and feminine flasks are almost too stylish to sully with alcohol – but everyone has a friend who would! Stainless steel Odeme Flasks, 90 ml,West Elm, $29 US each.

By: Style at Home
Source: West Elm

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

8 Style Strain

This vintage-look colander is a timeless classic that takes an everyday kitchen tool from dull to display-worthy. Copper-plated steel Colander in Gold, Anthropologie, $34 US.

By: Style at Home
Source: Anthropologie

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

9 French Kiss

This Scandi-chic French press in pale pink (with a pretty copper detail) is not only a beautiful vessel for your morning brew, but also an ideal addition to any open shelf. Ceramic French Press in Sand, Yield Design Co., $120 US.

By: Style at Home
Source: Yield Design Co.

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

10 Grill on the Go

No one should ever find themselves camping or picnicking without freshly grilled meat close at hand. And thanks to this portable grill, your loved ones will never have to. Wild & Wolf Portable Barbecue, Shop AGO, $94.

By: Style at Home
Source: Shop AGO

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

11 Get Jelly With It

Treat fans of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation to “the gift that keeps on giving.” Translation: their very own Jelly of the Month Club gift set! (Reference lost on you? See here.) Griswold Jelly of the Month Club Gift Set, Retro Festive, $40.

By: Style at Home
Source: Retro Festive

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

12 Cured Chocolate

It may resemble salami, but this treat is made entirely out of chocolate. Containing hazelnuts, almonds, cherries and even rum, the confection is a certified crowd-pleaser – especially when presented on a cutting board. Chocolate salami, SOMA Chocolatemaker, $23.

By: Style at Home
Source: SOMA Chocolatemaker

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

13 Main Squeeze

Count on Alessi to make a conventional utensil undeniably sleek. Crafted from stainless steel and boasting a unique shape, the modern citrus squeezer also doubles as a pestle. Valerio Citrus Squeezer, Alessi, $71.

By: Style at Home
Source: Alessi

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

14 Spread the Love

Building a beautiful cheese platter is something of an art form, but it helps to have stylish spreaders to complement the nibbles. This gorgeous set with rose quartz handles will make any table sparkle. Rose Quartz Spreaders, HomeSense, $15 4-piece set.